Balam explores Sufi-inspired soundscape in ‘Maola’

Popular Bangladeshi singer Balam is returning with a full-length album after more than a decade. Titled “Maola”, the project marks the musician’s fifth solo album and his first complete album release in many years.

Although Balam remained connected with listeners through single releases over the past few years, the artiste said he wanted to return with a full album to showcase different musical styles and moods together.

Four songs from the album were released during Eid-ul-Fitr earlier this year. Now, the title track, “Maola”, is set to be released with a music video during the upcoming Eid celebrations.

The song, featuring the lyrics “Maola Maola Maola / Tui pana dere Maola,” was jointly written by Rashid Newton and Balam. The music video will soon begin shooting in Nepal and will be directed by Taneem Rahman Angshu.

Balam plans to release the video through his official YouTube channel with what he described as a large-scale arrangement.

The album will contain six tracks, each carrying a different musical flavour while maintaining melody as the central focus. According to the singer, “Maola” explores Sufi-inspired sounds, making it a new creative experience in his musical career.

Speaking about the album, Balam said, “After a long time, I am working seriously on music again. Over the past few years, I released singles, but I feel a full-length album allows an artiste to present different shades of creativity together. Listeners also get to experience variety through an album.”

He added, “Every song in ‘Maola’ has a different atmosphere for listeners of different tastes and ages. Music is not only something to listen to anymore — it is also something to watch. A strong visual presentation is very important today. That is why I decided to release the video for ‘Maola’ as an Eid gift for audiences.”

The singer also revealed that the inspiration behind the title track came from reflections during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“‘Maola’ is very special to me. The uncertainty of the world and the emptiness people felt during the pandemic made me think deeply. That feeling shaped the song. This is my first attempt at a Sufi-style track, and I hope listeners will discover a new side of me through it,” he said.

Balam has composed and arranged all the songs on the album himself. He also hinted at special surprises in the upcoming music videos.

Since the beginning of his career, Balam has remained one of the country’s most popular contemporary musicians. His previous solo albums include “Balam”, “Balam 2”, “Balam 3”, and “Bhubon”.

Songs such as “Ek Mutho Roddur”, “Nesha”, “Ekaki Mo”, “Tomar Jonno”, “Nupur Baje”, “Shongi Hobe Ki”, “Rimjhim”, and “Oporupa” continue to remain favourites among listeners.